Louis Armstrong
~One of the most influential artists in jazz history~
Who was Louis Armstrong?
He was released from the home in 1914, and began dreaming of a life making music. He soon earned a reputation as the city’s fine blues player. One of the best cornet players in town named Joe “King” Oliver, became Louis Armstrong’s music mentor. In 1918, Armstrong married Daisy Parker, who was a very violent woman. He adopted a three-year-old boy named Clarence, who was mentally disabled from a head injury, and was taken care of by Armstrong his entire life. In the summer of 1922, he received a call from King Oliver to come to Chicago and join his Creole Jazz Band on second cornet. Louis accepted, and was taken to Chicago. He made his first recordings with Oliver on April 5, 1923, and that day, he earned his first recorded solo on "Chimes Blues." From there, Louis’s career took off and throughout his life, he made many songs. Some include ‘Wonderful World”, “Baby it’s Cold Outside”, “When the Saints Go Marching In”, and much more. He died in his sleep on July 6, 1971. Although Louis Armstrong is no longer with us, his legacy lives on.
Past vs Present
Did You Know...?
2. He recorded 60 of the most influential jazz records in history- all in the span of 3 years
3. He didn't switch to the trumpet until 1926, although he is greater known for playing the trumpet than the cornet.
4. He was the first African American jazz musician to write an autobiography
5. He didn't speak out publicly on Civil Rights until he saw the Little Rock Central High School integration crisis.
6. He performed all over the world in the 50’s and 60’s.
7. He was often known as “Satchmo” or “Pops”.
8. He worked on a steamboat as a coal man then started playing in night clubs.
9. His last hit was “What a Wonderful World”
10. Louis Armstrong was not only a musician, but he also spoke out against racial discrimination.